John Fogarty: Cork hurling doesn’t need another style war

After Pat Ryan's decision to step away from the job, the Rebel County faces a fork in the road. 

SUCCESSION: Outgoing Cork hurling manager Pat Ryan. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

One of the big takes from Pat Ryan’s interview in these pages on Monday was the sense of pride he gleaned from the masses that followed the team.

Not that the following ever deserted the team but the numbers sure swelled these past couple of seasons. The 60,000 or so that travelled to Dublin for this year’s All-Ireland semi-final was the truest manifestation of a team and their troop in harmony. Over 100,000 people attended Cork’s four home league games including the final. Crazy numbers.